Mark Hirschberg: Multi-Generational Pet Toy Legacy

Mark Hirschberg, president of Multipet, traces his family's pet toy business to the 1950s when his German immigrant grandparents repurposed leather scraps into dog toys, naming the venture Vo Toys after their surname Vogel.

His father expanded the company, blurring home and work boundaries, which frustrated young Hirschberg. After studying finance at New York University and working in real estate, Hirschberg joined Vo Toys for financial security but left in 1993 to start Multipet, focusing on uniquely designed toys to avoid China's price wars.

Maintaining weekly business talks with his father, Hirschberg separated work from personal life for his three children, requiring them to gain three years' external experience before joining. Now, his two sons and daughter work at Multipet, discussing non-business topics at home amid five grandchildren. Hirschberg hopes his grandkids continue the legacy, inheriting the creative vision to transform everyday items into pet toys.

In the 1950s, Mark Hirschberg's grandparents, immigrants from Germany, launched their pet toy enterprise from humble beginnings. Living in a basement rented from a belt maker, they transformed leather scraps into dog toys.

The company, named Vo Toys after their surname Vogel, reflected their limited English but catchy branding. This resourceful approach laid the foundation for a lasting family legacy in the pet industry.

Transition to the Next Generation

Following his grandfather's death when Hirschberg was 10, his father assumed leadership of Vo Toys. The family home soon doubled as the business office, erasing lines between personal and professional life.

Business discussions dominated daily conversations, creating frustration for Hirschberg during his youth. Despite this, the immersive environment shaped his eventual involvement in the sector.

Resisting the pull of the family business, Mark Hirschberg pursued independence as a young adult. He enrolled at New York University to study finance and later joined a real estate firm.

The close partnership between his father and brother at Vo Toys left Hirschberg feeling excluded, fueling his initial departure. However, life changes prompted a return.

Rejoining and Seeking Stability

By the time Hirschberg started a family, he viewed Vo Toys as a birthright offering financial security. He contributed to the company for approximately nine years.

During this period, the pet toy market relied heavily on low-cost imports from China, pressuring manufacturers into price competition. Hirschberg sought differentiation through innovation.

In 1993, Mark Hirschberg established Multipet to pursue a unique path in pet toys. Focusing on distinctive designs, the company avoided direct rivalry with Vo Toys and broader market price wars.

Hirschberg's drive to prove himself persisted, even at age 66. This motivation helped carve a niche for Multipet in the U.S. pet toy landscape.

Maintaining Family Ties Post-Departure

After leaving Vo Toys, Hirschberg met his father weekly for breakfast to discuss their respective businesses transparently. The two maintained a positive relationship despite past tensions.

Hirschberg consciously avoided replicating his father's work-life blend, fearing he might become too similar. This resolve influenced his approach to raising his own children.

To prevent his children from feeling obligated, Mark Hirschberg instituted a rule: three years of external work experience before joining Multipet. This policy aimed to broaden their perspectives and foster independence.

Each of his two sons and daughter complied, gaining valuable exposure. Today, all three contribute to the family company while preserving boundaries at home.

Balancing Work and Family Life

At Multipet, family members interact daily professionally but shift to non-business topics during meals. With five grandchildren, conversations naturally diversify.

Hirschberg cherishes the creative inheritance from his grandmother, who envisioned toys in everyday scraps. He aspires for his grandkids to form the fifth generation, sustaining the pet toy tradition.

In conclusion, Hirschberg's journey underscores resilience, innovation, and intentional family involvement, ensuring the business endures across generations without overwhelming personal lives.